James Cameron’s highly anticipated sci-fi spectacle Avatar: Fire and Ash has finally arrived in cinemas, but its opening numbers in India suggest a slower start compared to its predecessor. Despite massive pre-release buzz and a loyal fan base, the third chapter of the Avatar saga earned approximately ₹18 crore on its first day at the Indian box office.
The film, starring Sam Worthington and Zoe Saldaña in their iconic roles as Jake Sully and Neytiri, marks the continuation of the visually rich franchise that began in 2009. While audiences have praised the immersive big-screen experience and stunning visuals, critical reception has been mixed, which appears to have impacted initial collections.
According to early industry estimates, the day one earnings are significantly lower than Avatar: The Way of Water, which had opened to nearly ₹49 crore in India. The latest instalment is also facing tough competition from the ongoing Bollywood spy thriller Dhurandhar, which continues to draw steady footfall in its third week.
Avatar: Fire and Ash premiered globally earlier this month and expands the world of Pandora with new characters themes and conflicts. Although reviews have highlighted the film’s technical brilliance and scale, many critics have pointed out a lack of emotional depth and narrative freshness. Still, trade analysts believe weekend collections and word of mouth will play a key role in determining whether the film can regain momentum in the coming days.
